#4027
Mentioned in 15 episodes
The Death of Ivan Ilych
Book • 1886
The Death of Ivan Ilych, published in 1886, is a novella by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the existential crisis of its protagonist.
Ivan Ilych, a judge who has lived a life conforming to societal norms and expectations, is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
As his health deteriorates, he is forced to confront the emptiness and superficiality of his life.
The novella explores themes of mortality, the search for meaning, and the nature of authentic living.
Through Ivan's journey, Tolstoy poses critical questions about the purpose of life and the inevitability of death, prompting readers to reflect on their own existence and the values they uphold.
Despite the pain and fear associated with his illness, Ivan ultimately finds a sense of peace and understanding in his final moments.
Ivan Ilych, a judge who has lived a life conforming to societal norms and expectations, is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
As his health deteriorates, he is forced to confront the emptiness and superficiality of his life.
The novella explores themes of mortality, the search for meaning, and the nature of authentic living.
Through Ivan's journey, Tolstoy poses critical questions about the purpose of life and the inevitability of death, prompting readers to reflect on their own existence and the values they uphold.
Despite the pain and fear associated with his illness, Ivan ultimately finds a sense of peace and understanding in his final moments.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 15 episodes
Mentioned by James Hollis in relation to the story of Ivan Ilyich and his confrontation with mortality.
159 snips
Why Your Dreams Matter, How To Discover Your Purpose & The Question That Many Of Us Ignore At Our Peril with Dr James Hollis #540
Mentioned by 
Sam Harris and 
George Saunders during a discussion about Tolstoy's works and their impact on writing.
Sam Harris and George Saunders during a discussion about Tolstoy's works and their impact on writing.
34 snips
#372 — Life & Work
Mentioned by James Hollis as an example of a story about a man who questions his life after a significant event.
31 snips
#598: Journeying From the First to the Second Half of Life
Mentioned by James Hollis as an example of a person who lived a life dictated by societal expectations, only to confront his mortality and question his choices.
31 snips
James Hollis: Jung, Fear, and the Journey to Self-Discovery
Mentioned by James Hollis as an example of a character who achieves self-awareness at the end of his life.
11 snips
Episode 138: James Hollis
Mentioned by 
Simon Critchley in the context of Heidegger's discussion of death and its relation to the death of others.
Simon Critchley in the context of Heidegger's discussion of death and its relation to the death of others.
Episode 11: Death
Discussed by 
Agnes Callard and O. Henry as a counterpart to *Master and Man*, highlighting the exploration of meaninglessness and the absence of answers in life.
Agnes Callard and O. Henry as a counterpart to *Master and Man*, highlighting the exploration of meaninglessness and the absence of answers in life.
Agnes Callard: what is the value of fiction?
Mentioned by Justin Smith-Ruiu in reference to his novel 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich', which explores themes of mortality and the meaning of life.
A philosopher's psychedelic encounter with reality
Mentioned by 
John Connaughton as a book that explores the life of a man facing a terminal illness and the lack of support from his family.
John Connaughton as a book that explores the life of a man facing a terminal illness and the lack of support from his family.
Private Equity Master 2: John Connaughton – Bain Capital (Capital Allocators, EP.201)
Mentioned by 
Russ Roberts as another story by Tolstoy, focusing on the disconnect between a character's self-perception and reality.
Russ Roberts as another story by Tolstoy, focusing on the disconnect between a character's self-perception and reality.
Richard Gunderman on Greed, Adam Smith, and Leo Tolstoy
Mentioned by 
David Anders to illustrate a point about God's judgment and the possibility of last-minute repentance.
David Anders to illustrate a point about God's judgment and the possibility of last-minute repentance.
Only God is Timeless
Mentioned by 
Douglas Murray while discussing his recent readings and reflecting on the current crisis.
Douglas Murray while discussing his recent readings and reflecting on the current crisis.
Douglas Murray: China Must Pay for COVID 19
Mentioned by Jim when discussing themes of death and recontextualizing the value of success defined by work in the show Severance.
Severance - S02E07 - Chikhai Bardo
Recommended by 
Breht as a relevant read to understand the themes in Tarkovsky's film, comparing it to the existential crisis in Tolstoy's work.
Breht as a relevant read to understand the themes in Tarkovsky's film, comparing it to the existential crisis in Tolstoy's work.
"Mirror" by Andrei Tarkovsky: Time, Memory, and Aesthetic Contemplation
